The role of trait and state fear of missing out on problematic social networking site use and problematic smartphone use severity

Abstract

Background: Previous research has reported mental health variables and maladaptive cognitive emotion processes to be associated with severity of problematic social networking site use (PSNSU) and problematic smartphone use (PSU). The present study examined trait and state fear of missing out (FOMO) dimensions and their potential mediating roles in explaining relations between PSNSU and PSU severity. Method: A sample of 461 participants (mean age = 24.15, SD = 7.78) completed an online survey protocol measuring trait and state FOMO, PSU, and PSNSU. Results: Structural equation modelling revealed that trait and state FOMO were significantly associated with PSNSU severity, and PSNSU severity was associated with PSU severity. State (but not trait) FOMO mediated relations between PSNSU and PSU severity. Conclusions: The study demonstrates the role of FOMO, especially state FOMO, in association with PSNSU and PSU severity.

Keywords

• Fear of missing out
• Problematic social networking site use
• Smartphone use
• Internet use
• Online behaviors